With a global pandemic and month-long lockdowns affecting all of our plans for 2020, musicians and artists' were among the hardest hit. Album campaigns, release schedules and tour bookings ended up irrevocably affected across the board. So here at Townsend Music, we stepped in to assist a line-up of essential artists - Shed Seven, James, Supergrass, The Darkness, Embrace and Bryan Ferry - to provide the next best thing to being at a gig: the live album!
The following live releases are our collection of Lockdown Sessions, all conceived in association with the artist teams and presented as impeccably-produced collectable physical formats, many of which are signed by the artists themselves. We've posted our Lockdown Sessions - Townsend Music playlist at the bottom of this blog to give you a flavour of the quality that these recordings offer the listener. Rest assured that by buying the physical formats directly via the official stores linked below, you'll not only be getting the next best thing to being there in person, you'll also be doing your bit to support your favourite artists through these challenging times.
Shed Seven - Another Night, Another Town
Specially curated by the band Another Night, Another Town captures Shed Seven's dynamic live performances and anthemic songs over 21 tracks, from 'Chasing Rainbows' at Leeds Arena to playing the classic outro of 'I am the Resurrection' in the home of the Stone Roses at their triumphant Castlefield Bowl show.
On our official Shed Seven Another, Night Another Town store, you can still pick up the record on signed 2CD, signed triple vinyl and deluxe digital download alongside a clutch of exclusive merchandise, including some super-smart polo shirts to unleash the inner mod.
James - Live In Extraordinary Times
Specially curated by the band, Live in Extraordinary Times captures James’s dynamic live performances across the recent Living in Extraordinary Times campaign – their critically acclaimed 15th studio album The Observer stated: “might be their best”.
How did we manage to squeeze James's biggest hometown concert, intimate club gigs and politically-charged US show onto two discs?!
The jewel in the crown of the physical formats is the gorgeous limited edition Live In Extraordinary Times Photobook, with 2CD, 2LP, DVD and signed art print and postcard, plus we've got double yellow vinyl and t-shirts to boot.
Supergrass - Live On Other Planets
This 20-track live album celebrates the irrepressible Supergrass’s 25th anniversary with recordings drawn from the band’s critically acclaimed 2020 reunion tour. Released in conjunction with Townsend Music on the band’s own Supergrass Records label Live On Other Planets has been mixed by long time collaborator John Cornfield who worked on the band’s first three albums.
Available on signed double vinyl and 3CD set, specially-priced bundles on the store include a pair of sweet Supergrass slipmats.
The Darkness - Streaming Of A White Christmas
Following the release of their semi-prophetic Top 10 album Easter Is Cancelled at the end of last year, The Darkness closed 2020 with a live concert and stream from London’s Indigo at The O2 on December 18th.
"Hurrah! And so say all of us... Tonight the festivities truly begin! Tune in to the ‘Streaming Of A White Christmas’ rock and roll extravaganza live on the interweb!" - The Darkness (via the interweb!)
The performance was recorded in partnership with Live Here Now for a live album Streaming of a White Christmas out in April 2021 on CD and Vinyl. The triple green sparkle vinyl brings out the excess festive spirit leftover from Xmas 2020 - not to mention The Darkness official scarfs, face masks, beanies and Santa hats!
Embrace - Best Of Live From The Cellar Of Dreams
On Saturday 27th of February 2121 Embrace will perform a 'Best Of' concert, live from their Cellar Of Dreams studio in Bradford, with the setlist chosen by fans. You can pre-order Best Of Live From The Cellar Of Dreams - a recording of this live event - from the Embrace store now.
The unique performance will be immortalised on signed 2CD and signed triple gatefold vinyl, plus we have limited edition vinyl test pressings with exclusive polaroid and signed setlist along with digital and bundle options.
Bryan Ferry - Royal Albert Hall 2020
Bryan Ferry’s concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, London in March 2020 were the triumphant culmination of the UK leg of a scheduled world tour that would be suddenly curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. We're proud to present the exclusive store for the double LP and CD of this distinguished release.
Earlier in the year, Ferry released Live at the Royal Albert Hall 1974, a historic album capturing the intense energy of his debut solo tour, which is also available now replete with the full range of merchandise. Stream the 1974 release below for an aperitif before the main course; Royal Albert Hall 2020 is served on April 2nd 2021.
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